Repair or Replace Calculator
Facing an expensive repair? Use our calculator to determine whether repairing or replacing your HVAC system or appliance makes better financial sense. Switch between HVAC and appliance mode using the toggle below.
How It Works
Enter the equipment type, its age, the quoted repair cost, and the estimated replacement cost. The calculator applies the industry-standard 50 percent rule -- if the repair cost exceeds 50 percent of what a replacement would cost, replacing is usually the smarter investment. It also factors in remaining lifespan percentage and, for HVAC systems, whether the unit uses R-22 refrigerant (which makes future repairs increasingly expensive).
The tool works for both HVAC equipment (central AC, heat pumps, furnaces, mini-splits) and home appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens, microwaves). Each equipment type has a different expected lifespan, so the age factor is weighted appropriately. A 10-year-old AC unit at 67 percent of its lifespan is evaluated differently than a 10-year-old dishwasher at 100 percent of its lifespan.
Key Decision Factors
- The 50% Rule: If repair cost exceeds half the replacement cost, replace
- Age Factor: Equipment past 75% of its expected lifespan with a major repair is a strong replacement candidate
- R-22 Factor (HVAC): Systems using banned R-22 refrigerant face skyrocketing refill costs, tipping the scale toward replacement
- Repair History: Multiple repairs in recent years suggest systemic failure rather than a one-time issue
- Efficiency Gains: Replacing an old system with a modern high-efficiency unit reduces operating costs, partially offsetting replacement expense
Example Repair or Replace Results
14-Year AC, $2,800 Repair
- Equipment
- Central AC
- Age
- 14 years
- Repair Cost
- $2,800
- Replacement Cost
- $5,500
- Recommendation
- REPLACE
Repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement ($2,800 > $2,750) and the system is past 90% of its expected lifespan. Replace for better efficiency and reliability.
6-Year Fridge, $350 Repair
- Equipment
- Refrigerator
- Age
- 6 years
- Repair Cost
- $350
- Replacement Cost
- $1,800
- Recommendation
- REPAIR
Repair cost is well under 50% of replacement ($350 < $900) and the fridge has 8+ years of life remaining. Repair is the smart choice.
8-Year R-22 Heat Pump
- Equipment
- Heat Pump (R-22)
- Age
- 8 years
- Repair Cost
- $1,500
- Replacement Cost
- $7,000
- Recommendation
- REPLACE
Even though the repair is under 50%, R-22 systems face skyrocketing refrigerant costs. Replacing with an R-410A or R-32 system saves money long-term.
How the Repair vs. Replace Decision Works
Our calculator evaluates multiple factors to provide a recommendation:
The 50% Rule
If the repair cost exceeds 50% of what a replacement would cost, replacing is usually the smarter investment. You're putting significant money into aging equipment that may need more repairs soon.
The Age Factor
When a system has used more than 75% of its expected lifespan and faces a significant repair, the remaining value doesn't justify the expense. For example, a 12-year-old AC unit (average lifespan 15 years) with a $2,000 repair is a strong candidate for replacement.
The R-22 Factor (HVAC Only)
If your AC or heat pump uses R-22 refrigerant (Freon), which was fully phased out of production, refills are extremely expensive and increasingly scarce. This tips the scale heavily toward replacement with a modern R-410A system.
Contact Texas Temp Masters for a professional assessment and honest recommendation tailored to your specific situation.
Related Resources
Related Tools
- HVAC Age Decoder — Find out how old your HVAC system is
- Appliance Age Decoder — Find out how old your appliance is
- HVAC Cost Estimator — Get replacement pricing estimates
- Refrigerant Cost Estimator — Check R-22 and R-410A recharge costs
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